Dynamic Chilled Mini-Bar for Aircraft Passenger Suite

ABSTRACT

A dynamic chilled mini-bar includes: a cover; a movable compartment translatable to expose an interior thereof from behind the cover; and a cooling device operable to cool the interior of the movable compartment. A piece of integrated entertainment equipment in a vehicle includes: a dynamic chilled mini-bar movably installed on the integrated entertainment equipment; and an actuator coupled with at least one of a side of the integrated entertainment equipment and the movable compartment, the actuator being operable to translate the movable compartment. A method of operating a dynamic chilled mini-bar includes: receiving an input signal to translate a movable compartment of the dynamic chilled mini-bar from a first position to a second position with respect to a cover of the dynamic chilled mini-bar; and linearly translating the movable compartment to the second position according to the input signal.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/614,640 entitled “DYNAMIC CHILLED MINI-BAR FORAIRCRAFT PASSENGER SUITE” and filed on Mar. 23, 2012, which is herebyincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to aircraft integratedentertainment equipment for a super first class interior environment,and more specifically to integrated entertainment equipment including adynamic translational motion chilled mini-bar in an aircraft super firstclass passenger suite.

2. Related Art

Known mini-bars for use in aircraft passenger suites normally stand on afloor of the passenger suites. Typically, the mini-bars have doors thatopen outward and protrude into the passenger suites. To access thesemini-bars, passengers must first bend down to open the doors of themini-bars. To reach the food products or beverages contained within themini-bars, the passengers must hold the doors open while reaching insidethe mini-bars for the desired food or beverages.

These mini-bars that stand on the floor of aircraft passenger suites canbe very cumbersome for several reasons. Aircraft passenger suites havelimited space available. When the doors of the mini-bars are opened, thedoors swing outward into the passenger suites, and reduce the spaceavailable in the suites. In addition, it is difficult for passengers toaccess any food or beverage contained within these mini-bars. Whenattempting to ascertain the contents of the mini-bars, the passengersmust bend down to the level of the mini-bars to hold the doors open,which is an awkward position for the passengers to read the labels ofthe food and beverages contained within the mini-bars. Furthermore, whenthe ride is rough due to turbulence or other disturbances, it can beunsafe for passengers to leave their seats to access these mini-bars.

SUMMARY

Embodiments may overcome problems of the known mini-bars to facilitatemore space in aircraft passenger suites, maintain the temperature offood products and beverages contained therein at the required foodstorage temperature, and offer convenient access to food and beveragesat any position of passenger seating.

The mini-bars described herein provide the capability for the dynamicchilled mini-bar to be movably installed on integrated entertainmentequipment within an aircraft super first class passenger suite. In anembodiment, the dynamic chilled mini-bar includes a cover, a movablecompartment, a beverage tray disposed within the movable compartment,and an air-cooled thermoelectric cooling module attached to the beveragetray through an opening at a bottom of the movable compartment. Themovable compartment of the dynamic chilled mini-bar is slidably attachedto a side or back of the integrated entertainment equipment via anactuator. During operation, the actuator translates the movablecompartment along the side of the integrated entertainment equipment.This way, no portion of the dynamic chilled mini-bar protrudes into thepassenger suite when opened compared to when closed, thus facilitatingmore space in the passenger suite.

In various embodiments, the actuator translates the movable compartmentalong the side of the integrated entertainment equipment and may stopthe movable compartment at various positions to provide access to anyfood or beverage contained within the dynamic chilled mini-bar. Withthis configuration, a passenger, whether seated or standing, can easilyaccess any food or beverages contained within the dynamic chilledmini-bar. Accordingly, the passenger can access the food or beveragecontained therein without the difficulties associated with a knownmini-bar, such as having to first open a door of the known mini-bar, andthen bending down to reach inside the known mini-bar.

In an embodiment, a dynamic chilled mini-bar includes: a cover; amovable compartment translatable to expose an interior thereof frombehind the cover; and a cooling device operable to cool the interior ofthe movable compartment.

The dynamic chilled mini-bar may further include a beverage traydisposed within the movable compartment, where the cooling device isthermally coupled with the beverage tray through an opening at a bottomof the movable compartment. The cooling device may cool a surface of thebeverage tray to cool the interior of the movable compartment. Thebeverage tray may be constructed of a thermally conductive material.

The dynamic chilled mini-bar may further include a controller operableto control the cooling device to maintain about a preset temperature inthe interior of the movable compartment.

The cooling device may include a thermoelectric cooling module. Thethermoelectric cooling module may include: at least one thermoelectriccooling device operable to cool the interior of the movable compartment;a fan operable to circulate air from outside the thermoelectric coolingmodule to the at least one thermoelectric cooling device to reject heatfrom the thermoelectric cooling module to the outside; and a temperaturecontroller operable to control an amount of power delivered to the atleast one thermoelectric cooling device.

The dynamic chilled mini-bar may further include an actuator operable totranslate the movable compartment. The dynamic chilled mini-bar may alsoinclude a controller that controls the actuator to linearly translatethe movable compartment from a first position to a second position,where the second position is selected from the group consisting ofcompletely stowed position, completely opened position, and partiallyopened position.

When the movable compartment is in the completely stowed position, theinterior of the movable compartment is completely behind the cover. Whenthe movable compartment is in the completely opened position, a majorityof the interior of the movable compartment is exposed from behind thecover. When the movable compartment is in the partially opened position,less of the interior of the movable compartment is exposed from behindthe cover than when the movable compartment is in the completely openedposition.

In another embodiment, a piece of integrated entertainment equipment ina vehicle includes: a dynamic chilled mini-bar movably installed on theintegrated entertainment; and an actuator coupled with at least one of aside of the integrated entertainment equipment and the movablecompartment, the actuator being operable to translate the movablecompartment.

The actuator may include: a rotatable screw; and a bracket coupled withthe movable compartment, a first end of the bracket being coupled withthe screw. When the screw rotates, the movable compartment may betranslated linearly. Furthermore, when the screw rotates, the movablecompartment may be translated linearly in parallel with a length-wisedirection of the screw.

In another embodiment, the actuator may include: a screw; a motoroperable to rotate the screw; and a bracket coupled with the movablecompartment, a first end of the bracket being coupled with the screw.When the motor rotates the screw, the movable compartment may betranslated linearly. Furthermore, when the motor rotates the screw, themovable compartment may be translated linearly in parallel with alength-wise direction of the screw.

In yet another embodiment, the actuator may include: a screw that isstationary; a nut that is rotatable around the screw; and a bracketcoupled with the movable compartment, a first end of the bracket beingcoupled with the nut. When the nut rotates around the screw, the movablecompartment may be translated linearly. Furthermore, when the nutrotates around the screw, the movable compartment may be translatedlinearly in parallel with a length-wise direction of the screw.

In an embodiment, the actuator may include: a screw that is stationary;a motor operable to rotate a nut around the screw; and a bracket coupledwith the movable compartment, a first end of the bracket being coupledwith the nut. When the motor rotates the nut around the screw, themovable compartment may be translated linearly with the screw.Furthermore, when the motor rotates the nut around the screw, themovable compartment may be translated linearly in parallel with alength-wise direction of the screw.

In yet another embodiment, a method of operating a dynamic chilledmini-bar includes: receiving an input signal to translate a movablecompartment of the dynamic chilled mini-bar from a first position to asecond position with respect to a cover of the dynamic chilled mini-bar;and linearly translating the movable compartment to the second positionaccording to the input signal.

While the exemplary embodiments described herein are presented in thecontext of a dynamic chilled mini-bar movably installed on integratedentertainment equipment in a super first class passenger suite, theseembodiments are exemplary only and are not to be considered limiting.The embodiments of the apparatus and configuration are not limited todynamic chilled mini-bars. For example, embodiments of the apparatus andconfiguration may be adapted for a refrigerator, freezer, and other foodstorage and cooking devices. As another example, embodiments of theapparatus and configuration may be adapted to fit within other sizes orareas in an aircraft, vehicle, or other confined space. Variousembodiments may thus be used in any vehicle, including aircraft,spacecraft, ships, buses, trains, recreational vehicles, trucks,automobiles, and the like. Embodiments of the apparatus may also be usedin homes, offices, hotels, factories, warehouses, garages, and otherbuildings where it may be desirable to use a dynamic chilled mini-bar.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other features and advantages of the invention will becomemore apparent by describing in detail exemplary embodiments thereof withreference to the attached drawings listed below:

FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views illustrating a dynamic chilledmini-bar movably installed on integrated entertainment equipment in asuper first class passenger suite, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a dynamic chilled mini-barwith a cover, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a dynamic chilled mini-barincluding a beverage tray and beverages disposed therein, according toan embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a dynamic chilled mini-barmovably installed on integrated entertainment equipment, according to anembodiment.

FIGS. 5A-5C are perspective views illustrating the dynamic chilledmini-bar of FIG. 4 during operation, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view and FIG. 6B is a bottom view illustratinga beverage tray of a dynamic chilled mini-bar, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a dynamic chilled mini-barwith a cover movably installed on integrated entertainment equipment,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a thermoelectric coolingmodule of the dynamic chilled mini-bar of FIG. 7, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 9A is a top view, FIG. 9B is a side view, FIG. 9C is a bottom view,and FIG. 9D is another side view illustrating the thermoelectric coolingmodule of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view, FIG. 10B is a bottom view, and FIG. 10Cis a side view illustrating a power supply of the dynamic chilledmini-bar of FIG. 7, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view, FIG. 11B is a top view, and FIG. 11C aside view illustrating a temperature controller of the dynamic chilledmini-bar of FIG. 7, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a controller for the dynamicchilled mini-bar of FIG. 7, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating an actuator that translates adynamic chilled mini-bar, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 14A and 14B are perspective views illustrating a dynamic chilledmini-bar being translated by the actuator of FIG. 13 during operation.

FIGS. 15A-15C are perspective views illustrating a dynamic chilledmini-bar movably installed on integrated entertainment equipment duringoperation, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 16A and 16B are perspective views illustrating a dynamic chilledmini-bar movably installed on integrated entertainment equipment duringoperation, according to another embodiment.

FIGS. 17A and 17B are perspective views illustrating the dynamic chilledmini-bar of FIGS. 16A and 16B.

FIG. 18A is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a dynamicchilled mini-bar, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 18B and 18C are flowcharts illustrating a method of translating amovable compartment of a dynamic chilled mini-bar, according variousembodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As described herein, a dynamic chilled mini-bar may be movably installedon integrated entertainment equipment within an aircraft super firstclass passenger suite. In an embodiment, the dynamic chilled mini-barmay include a cover, a movable compartment, a beverage tray disposedwithin the movable compartment, a thermoelectric cooling modulethermally coupled with the beverage tray, a power supply, a temperaturecontroller, and an actuator. The movable compartment of the dynamicchilled mini-bar may be slidably attached to a side or back of theintegrated entertainment equipment via the actuator. In variousembodiments, the actuator translates the movable compartment along theside or the back of the integrated entertainment equipment to emergefrom behind the cover, and may stop the movable compartment at variouspositions to provide access to any food or beverage contained within thedynamic chilled mini-bar. With this configuration, a passenger, whetherseated or standing, can easily access any food or beverages containedwithin the dynamic chilled mini-bar. Accordingly, the passenger canaccess the food or beverage within the dynamic chilled mini-bar withoutthe difficulties associated with a known mini-bar, such as having tofirst open a door of the known mini-bar, and then bending down to reachinside the known mini-bar. Furthermore, no portion of the dynamicchilled mini-bar protrudes into the passenger suite when opened comparedto when closed, thus facilitating more space in the passenger suite.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views illustrating a dynamic chilledmini-bar 200 movably installed on integrated entertainment equipment 110in a super first class passenger suite 100, according to an embodiment.As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the dynamic chilled mini-bar 200 includes acover 210 and a movable compartment 220. The cover 210 may be opaque tomatch the façade of the integrated entertainment equipment 110, ortransparent (as shown in FIG. 2) to provide passengers with a view ofany contents within the dynamic chilled mini-bar 200. As shown in FIG.1B, the dynamic chilled mini-bar 200 is translated to an open position,so that passengers may easily access beverages 300. Furthermore, thecover 210 may be opened or removed to facilitate maintenance andcleaning.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a dynamic chilled mini-bar 200with a cover 210, according to an embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 2,the dynamic chilled mini-bar 200 includes a cover 210, a movablecompartment 220, a beverage tray 230 disposed within the movablecompartment 220, and a thermoelectric cooling module 240 thermallycoupled with the beverage tray 230 through an opening at a bottom of themovable compartment 220. In the illustrated embodiment, thethermoelectric cooling module 240 distributes cool temperatures across asurface of the beverage tray 230, and in turn, the beverage tray 230cools contents contained within the dynamic chilled mini-bar 200.Because the thermoelectric cooling module 240 is thermally coupled withand directly attached to the beverage tray 230, the contents containedtherein are chilled regardless of whether the dynamic chilled mini-bar200 is in an open position as shown in FIG. 1B or in a stowed positionas shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a dynamic chilled mini-bar 200including a beverage tray 230 and beverages 300 disposed therein,according to an embodiment. The dynamic chilled mini-bar 200 includes amovable compartment 220 and a beverage tray 230 disposed within themovable compartment 220. The beverage tray 230 holds beverages 300within the movable compartment 220 and cools the beverages 300 using athermoelectric cooling module 240 (as shown in FIG. 2).

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a dynamic chilled mini-bar 200movably installed on integrated entertainment equipment 110, accordingto an embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the dynamic chilled mini-bar200 includes a cover 210, a movable compartment 220, a beverage tray 230disposed within the movable compartment 220, a thermoelectric coolingmodule 240 thermally coupled with the beverage tray 230 through anopening at a bottom of the movable compartment 220, a power supply 250,a temperature controller 260, and a power cord retainer 270. The powersupply 250 may provide power to the thermoelectric cooling module 240,the temperature controller 260, and an actuator (see FIGS. 13, 14A, and14B). The power cord retainer 270 contains a power cord (271 in FIG.5B), and an end of the power cord is connected to the thermoelectriccooling module 240.

FIGS. 5A-5C are perspective views illustrating the dynamic chilledmini-bar 200 of FIG. 4 during operation, according to an embodiment. InFIG. 5A, the dynamic chilled mini-bar 200 is in a completely stowedposition, where the cover 210 completely covers a front opening and aninterior of the movable compartment 220. The thermoelectric coolingmodule 240 is disposed at the bottom of the movable compartment 220 andis thermally coupled with the beverage tray 230. The power supply 250,the temperature controller 260, and the power cord retainer 270 aredisposed adjacent to a bottom of the integrated entertainment equipment110.

As illustrated in FIG. 5B, the dynamic chilled mini-bar 200 istranslated to a partially open position. The movable compartment 220 istranslated vertically upward so the front opening and the interior ofthe movable compartment 220 are partially exposed or not covered by thecover 210. Since the thermoelectric cooling module 240 is thermallycoupled with the beverage tray 230 and disposed at the bottom of themovable compartment 220, when the movable compartment 220 is translatedalong a side or back of the integrated entertainment equipment 110, thethermoelectric cooling module 240 is also translated along with themovable compartment 220. The power cord 271, which is connected to thethermoelectric cooling module 240, extends out of the power cordretainer 270 when the thermoelectric cooling module 240 is translatedalong with the movable compartment 220. This way, the power cord 271 maytransfer power to the thermoelectric cooling module 240 regardless ofthe position of the movable compartment 220.

As shown in FIG. 5C, the movable compartment 220 is translated into acompletely opened position, so that a majority of the front opening andthe interior of the movable compartment 220 is exposed or not covered bythe cover 210. On the other hand, when the movable compartment 220 istranslated to a partially opened position as shown in FIG. 5B, less ofthe interior of the movable compartment 220 is exposed from behind thecover 210 than when the movable compartment 220 is in the completelyopened position as shown in FIG. 5C. Because the thermoelectric coolingmodule 240 is configured to translate along with the movable compartment220, even if the dynamic chilled mini-bar 200 is left open for anextended period of time in the partially opened position or in thecompletely opened position, the thermoelectric cooling module 240 cancontinuously cool the beverage tray 230, which would keep any food orbeverages disposed on the beverage tray 230 chilled and fresh.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view and FIG. 6B is a bottom view illustratinga beverage tray 230 of a dynamic chilled mini-bar 200, according to anembodiment. FIG. 6A illustrates a beverage tray 230 movably disposedwithin a movable compartment 220. A bottom of the movable compartment220 includes an opening 221 configured to fit a thermoelectric coolingmodule 240 that may be thermally coupled with the beverage tray 230. Thebeverage tray 230 may be constructed of a water tight metallic material,but this should not be construed as limiting. The beverage tray 230 maybe constructed using other thermally conductive materials as known inthe art. The beverage tray 230 may further include a lip along edges ofthe beverage tray 230 to help secure any food or beverages disposedthereon. The beverage tray 230 may evenly distribute chilled temperatureacross a surface that contacts the beverages and food products.Furthermore, the beverage tray 230 may collect any condensation, spills,or leakages from the beverages or food products to facilitatemaintenance and cleaning In various embodiments, the beverage tray 230may be decoupled from the thermoelectric cooling module 240 and removedfrom the movable compartment 220 to be cleaned.

FIG. 6B is a bottom view illustrating a beverage tray 230 of a dynamicchilled mini-bar 200, according to an embodiment. The beverage tray 230includes an area 231 for coupling with the thermoelectric cooling module240. When coupled with or attached to the thermoelectric cooling module240, the surface of the beverage tray 230 provides cooling contact withbeverages or food products. Through packaging of the beverages and thefood products, heat transfers from the beverages and food products tothe beverage tray 230 and the thermoelectric cooling module 240, andthus the beverages and food products are chilled and cooled by thebeverage tray 230 and the thermoelectric cooling module 240.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a dynamic chilled mini-bar 200with a cover 210 movably installed on integrated entertainment equipment110, according to an embodiment. The dynamic chilled mini-bar 200 may bemovably installed on a side or back of the integrated entertainmentequipment 110. The dynamic chilled mini-bar 200 includes a cover 210, amovable compartment 220, a beverage tray 230 disposed within the movablecompartment 220, a thermoelectric cooling module 240 thermally coupledwith the beverage tray 230 through an opening at a bottom of the movablecompartment 220, a power supply 250, a temperature controller 260, and apower cord retainer 270. The power supply 250 may provide power to thethermoelectric cooling module 240 and the temperature controller 260.The power cord retainer 270 houses a power cord, and an end of the powercord is connected to the thermoelectric cooling module 240.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a thermoelectric coolingmodule 240 of the dynamic chilled mini-bar 200 of FIG. 7, according toan embodiment. The thermoelectric cooling module 240 includes a fan 241,a connector 242, and at least one thermoelectric cooling device housedinside the thermoelectric cooling module 240. The fan 241 circulates airfrom an aircraft cabin or passenger suite to the at least onethermoelectric cooling device inside the thermoelectric cooling module240, and rejects heat from the thermoelectric cooling module 240 backinto the aircraft cabin or passenger suite. The connector 242 may beconnected to a power cord, for example, the power cord 271 as shown inFIG. 5B, to supply power to the fan 241 and the at least onethermoelectric cooling device.

FIG. 9A is a top view, FIG. 9B is a side view, FIG. 9C is a bottom view,and FIG. 9D is another side view illustrating the thermoelectric coolingmodule 240 of FIG. 8. FIG. 9A illustrates a top view of thethermoelectric cooling module 240 of FIG. 8. The thermoelectric coolingmodule 240 includes a fan 241, a connector 242, and at least onethermoelectric cooling device. FIG. 9B illustrates a side view of thethermoelectric cooling module 240. A housing of the thermoelectriccooling module 240 contains the at least one thermoelectric coolingdevice. FIG. 9C illustrates a bottom view of the thermoelectric coolingmodule 240. A bottom side of the thermoelectric cooling module 240 maybe thermally coupled with or attached to the beverage tray 230 todistribute cool temperature across a surface of the beverage tray 230.FIG. 9D illustrates another side view of the thermoelectric coolingmodule 240.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view, FIG. 10B is a bottom view, and FIG. 10Cis a side view illustrating a power supply 250 of the dynamic chilledmini-bar 200 of FIG. 7, according to an embodiment. FIG. 10A illustratesthe power supply 250, which provides power to the thermoelectric coolingmodule 240 as shown in FIG. 8, the temperature controller 260, and anactuator that translates the dynamic chilled mini-bar 200. The powersupply 250 converts aircraft AC (alternating current) power supply to DC(direct current) power supply. In other embodiments, the power supply250 may convert AC current, voltage, or power to DC current, voltage, orpower, respectively. The power supply 250 includes a housing 251 andterminal pins 252. The terminal pins 252 may provide ground, input, andoutput connections between the power supply 250 and other devices.Additionally, the power supply 250 may be attached or mounted to theintegrated entertainment equipment 110, but this should not be construedas limiting. FIG. 10B illustrates a bottom view of the power supply 250.FIG. 10C illustrates a side view of the power supply 250. In anembodiment, the power supply 250 may input 120 Vac at 60 Hz and output12Vdc, 12 A.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view, FIG. 11B is a top view, and FIG. 11C aside view illustrating a temperature controller 260 of the dynamicchilled mini-bar 200 of FIG. 7, according to an embodiment. FIG. 11Aillustrates the temperature controller 260, which monitors and controlsthe temperature in the dynamic chilled mini-bar 200. The temperaturecontroller 260 may include dials 261 to adjust settings, for example,temperature, voltage, and fan speed of the thermoelectric cooling module240. The temperature controller 260 may control an amount of powerdelivered to the thermoelectric cooling module 240. This operation maybe performed using a pulse-width modulation (PWM) technique. Forexample, a high current output of 12Vdc, 24 A at 25 degrees Celsius maybe provided to the thermoelectric cooling module 240 according to a PWMsignal. A safety device for temperature protection may also be includedin the temperature controller 260.

FIG. 11B illustrates a top view of the temperature controller 260. FIG.11C illustrates a side view of the temperature controller 260. Thetemperature controller 260 may be connected to the power supply 250.Alternatively, the temperature controller 260 and the power supply 250may be housed together as one component.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a controller 1200 that controls thedynamic chilled mini-bar 200 of FIG. 7, according to an embodiment. Thecontroller 1200 may supplement or replace the temperature controller260. The controller 1200 may be installed on the dynamic chilledmini-bar 200 or the integrated entertainment equipment 110. Thecontroller 1200 may be coupled with a control panel 1240 via an I/Ointerface 1230. The controller 1200 may receive input commands from auser via the control panel 1240, such as turning the dynamic chilledmini-bar 200 on or off, selecting an operation mode, translating themovable compartment 220 into an opened or stowed position, and setting adesired temperature of the dynamic chilled mini-bar 200. The controller1200 may output information to the user regarding an operational status(e.g., operational mode, activation of a defrost cycle, shut-off due toover-temperature conditions of the movable compartment 220 and/orcomponents of the dynamic chilled mini-bar 200, etc.) of the dynamicchilled mini-bar 200 using a display of the control panel 1240. Thecontrol panel 1240 may be installed on or remotely from embodiments ofthe dynamic chilled mini-bar and integrated entertainment equipment withwhich the controller 1200 may be coupled.

The controller 1200 may include a processor 1210 that performscomputations according to program instructions, a memory 1220 thatstores the computing instructions and other data used or generated bythe processor 1210, and a network interface 1250 that includes datacommunications circuitry for interfacing to a data communicationsnetwork 1290 such as Ethernet, Galley Data Bus (GAN), or Controller AreaNetwork (CAN). The processor 1210 may include a microprocessor, a FieldProgrammable Gate Array, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit, ora custom Very Large Scale Integrated circuit chip, or other electroniccircuitry that performs a control function. The processor 1210 may alsoinclude a state machine. The controller 1200 may also include one ormore electronic circuits and printed circuit boards. The processor 1210,memory 1220, and network interface 1250 may be coupled with one anotherusing one or more data buses 1280. The controller 1200 may communicatewith and control various sensors and actuators 1270 of the dynamicchilled mini-bar 200 via a control interface 1260.

The controller 1200 may be controlled by or communicate with acentralized computing system, such as one onboard an aircraft. Thecontroller 1200 may implement a compliant ARINC 812 logicalcommunication interface on a compliant ARINC 810 physical interface. Thecontroller 1200 may communicate via the Galley Data Bus (e.g., galleynetworked GAN bus), and exchange data with a Galley Network Controller(e.g., Master GAIN Control Unit as described in the ARINC 812specification). In accordance with the ARINC 812 specification, thecontroller 1200 may provide network monitoring, power control, remoteoperation, failure monitoring, and data transfer functions. Thecontroller 1200 may implement menu definitions requests received fromthe Galley Network Controller (GNC) for presentation on a GNC Touchpaneldisplay device and process associated button push events to respondappropriately. The controller 1200 may provide additional communicationsusing an RS-232 communications interface and/or an infrared data port,such as communications with a personal computer (PC) or a personaldigital assistant (PDA). Such additional communications may includereal-time monitoring of operations of the dynamic chilled mini-bar 200,long-term data retrieval, and control system software upgrades. Inaddition, the control interface 1260 may include a serial peripheralinterface (SPI) bus that may be used to communicate between thecontroller 1200 and motor controllers within the dynamic chilledmini-bar 200.

The dynamic chilled mini-bar 200 is configured to chill and/orrefrigerate beverages and/or food products which are placed in themovable compartment 220. The dynamic chilled mini-bar 200 may operate inone or more of several modes, including refrigeration and beveragechilling. A user may select a desired temperature for the movablecompartment 220 using the control panel 1240. The controller 1200included with the dynamic chilled mini-bar 200 may control a temperaturewithin the movable compartment 220 at a high level of precisionaccording to the desired temperature. Therefore, quality of beveragesand/or food products stored within the movable compartment 220 may bemaintained according to the user-selected operational mode of thedynamic chilled mini-bar 200.

In various embodiments, the dynamic chilled mini-bar 200 may maintain atemperature inside the movable compartment 220 according to auser-selectable option among several preprogrammed preset temperatures,or according to a specific user-input preset temperature. For example, abeverage chiller mode may maintain the temperature inside the movablecompartment 220 at a user-selectable temperature of about 9 degreescentigrade (C), 12 degrees C., or 16 degrees C. In a refrigerator mode,the temperature inside the movable compartment 220 may be maintained ata user-selectable temperature of about 4 degrees C. or 7 degrees C.

The dynamic chilled mini-bar 200 may be controlled by an electroniccontrol system associated with the controller 1200. The memory 1220 ofthe controller 1200 may store a program for performing a method ofcontrolling the dynamic chilled mini-bar 200 executable by the processor1210. The method of controlling the dynamic chilled mini-bar 200performed by the electronic control system may include a feedbackcontrol system such that the dynamic chilled mini-bar 200 mayautomatically maintain a prescribed temperature in the movablecompartment 220 of the dynamic chilled mini-bar 200 using sensor data,such as temperature, to control the thermoelectric cooling module 240.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating an actuator 280 thattranslates a dynamic chilled mini-bar 200, according to an embodiment.As illustrated in FIG. 13, the actuator 280 is disposed on a side orback of integrated entertainment equipment 110. The actuator 280 may bean electromechanical actuator, a hydraulic actuator, or other actuatorsknown in the art. Furthermore, the actuator 280 may be operated using acontroller, for example, the controller 1200 as shown in FIG. 12, anelectrical controller, an electromechanical controller, or othercontrollers known in the art. In other embodiments, the function of theactuator 280 may be performed manually. The controller that controls theactuator 280 may be installed on the integrated entertainment equipment110 or on the dynamic chilled mini-bar 200. The controller may receiveinput commands from a user via input devices to translate the movablecompartment 220 to an opened or stowed position.

The actuator 280 may include a bracket 281 and a screw 283. The actuator280 converts rotary motion, such as that of a motor, into lineardisplacement via the screw 283, with which the dynamic chilled mini-bar200 is coupled. The bracket 281 may be movably coupled with the screw283 and to a side of the movable compartment 220 of the dynamic chilledmini-bar 200. Accordingly, when the motor of the actuator 280 rotatesthe screw, the movable compartment 220 that is coupled to the bracket281 is translated linearly. This should not be construed as limiting.For example, in other embodiments, the screw 283 may be stationary,while the motor of actuator 280 rotates a nut around the screw 283, andthe bracket 281 is coupled with the nut rather than the screw 283. Inyet other embodiments, the actuator 280 may be operated manually using arotatable screw or by rotating a nut around a stationary screw.Furthermore, when the screw rotates, the movable compartment 220 may betranslated linearly in parallel with a length-wise direction of thescrew. In other embodiments, when the nut rotates around the screw, themovable compartment 220 may be translated linearly in parallel with alength-wise direction of the screw.

FIGS. 14A and 14B are perspective views illustrating a dynamic chilledmini-bar 200 being translated by the actuator 280 of FIG. 13 duringoperation. As illustrated in FIG. 14A, the dynamic chilled mini-bar 200is in a stowed position. A side of the movable compartment 220 iscoupled with or attached to the bracket 281. A first end of the bracket281 is coupled with the screw 283, and a second end of the bracket 281is coupled with a rail 282 to stabilize the bracket 281 and to support acombined weight of the movable compartment 220, the beverage tray 230,and the beverages 300.

In FIG. 14B, the dynamic chilled mini-bar 200 is translated verticallyupward along the side of the integrated entertainment equipment 110 bythe actuator 280. When the screw 283 is rotated, either by a motor ormanually, the bracket 281 is moved vertically along an axis parallel toa length-wise direction of the screw. Accordingly, the movablecompartment 220 disposed on the bracket 281 is translated along the samevertical axis. As shown in FIG. 14B, the movable compartment 220 istranslated into an opened position, where the beverage tray 230 and thebeverages 300 are accessible to passengers. Although the dynamic chilledmini-bar 200 is shown to be moving along a vertical axis, the describedembodiment should not be construed as limiting. In other embodiments,the dynamic chilled mini-bar 200 may be translated along a horizontal ordiagonal axis. The movable compartment 220 may be translated linearly inparallel with a length-wise direction of the screw 283.

FIGS. 15A-15C are perspective views illustrating a dynamic chilledmini-bar 200 movably installed on integrated entertainment equipment 110during operation, according to an embodiment. The dynamic chilledmini-bar 200 includes a cover 210, a movable compartment 220, a beveragetray 230 disposed within the movable compartment 220, a thermoelectriccooling module 240 thermally coupled with the beverage tray 230 throughan opening at a bottom of the movable compartment 220, and a power cordretainer 270 disposed adjacent to a bottom of the integratedentertainment equipment 110. As illustrated in FIG. 15A, the dynamicchilled mini-bar 200 is in a completely stowed position, where the cover210 completely covers a front opening and interior of the movablecompartment 220. As shown in FIG. 15B, the movable compartment 220 istranslated into a partially opened position, where an upper half of thefront opening of the movable compartment 220 is exposed or not coveredby the cover 210. FIG. 15C illustrates the dynamic chilled mini-bar 200translated into a completely opened position, where a majority of thefront opening and interior of the movable compartment 220 is exposed ornot covered by the cover 210. Passengers may gain access to any contentsin the dynamic chilled mini-bar 200 when the movable compartment 220 isin a partially opened position as shown in FIG. 15B or in a completelyopened position as illustrated in FIG. 15C. In addition, the dynamicchilled mini-bar 220 may be stopped at any desired position between thecompletely stowed position and the completely opened position.

FIGS. 16A and 16B are perspective views illustrating a dynamic chilledmini-bar 200 movably installed on integrated entertainment equipment 110during operation, according to another embodiment. FIGS. 17A and 17B areperspective views illustrating the dynamic chilled mini-bar 200 of FIGS.16A and 16B. As shown in FIGS. 16A, 16B, 17A, and 17B, the dynamicchilled mini-bar 200 may be integrated into the integrated entertainmentequipment 110. In FIGS. 16A and 17A, the dynamic chilled mini-bar 200 isin a completely stowed position. In FIGS. 16B and 17B, the movablecompartment 220 of the mini-bar 200 is translated into a completelyopened position to expose the beverage tray 230 which holds thebeverages 300. With this configuration, a passenger, whether seated orstanding, can easily access any food or beverages contained within thedynamic chilled mini-bar 20. Furthermore, the dynamic chilled mini-bar200 does not protrude into a super first class passenger suite 100 whenopened compared to when closed, thus facilitating more space in thesuper first class passenger suite 100.

FIG. 18A is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a dynamicchilled mini-bar, according to an embodiment. In step S1802, an inputsignal is received to translate a movable compartment of the dynamicchilled mini-bar from a first position to a second position with respectto a cover of the dynamic chilled mini-bar. Then in step S1804, themovable compartment is linearly translated to the second positionaccording to the input signal. The second position may be selected fromthe group consisting of completely stowed position, completely openedposition, and partially opened position. When the movable compartment isin the completely stowed position, an interior of the movablecompartment is completely behind the cover. When the movable compartmentis in the completely opened position, a majority of an interior of themovable compartment is exposed from behind the cover. When the movablecompartment is in the partially opened position, less of the interior ofthe movable compartment is exposed from behind the cover than when themovable compartment is in the completely opened position. The group ofpositions may be preprogrammed or preset prior to operating the dynamicchilled mini-bar. Alternatively, the second position may be specified bya user during operation.

FIGS. 18B and 18C are flowcharts illustrating a method of translating amovable compartment of a dynamic chilled mini-bar, according variousembodiments. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 18B, a screw isrotated in step S1804-2. The screw may be rotated by a motor or throughmanual operation. Then in step S1804-4, the rotary motion of the screwis converted to linear motion, and the movable compartment is linearlytranslated in parallel with a length-wise direction of the screw. In theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 18C, a nut is rotated around a stationaryscrew in step S1804-6. The nut may be rotated around the screw by amotor or through manual operation. Then in step S1804-8, the rotarymotion of the nut around the screw is converted to linear motion, andthe movable compartment is linearly translated in parallel with alength-wise direction of the screw.

While the exemplary embodiments described herein are presented in thecontext of a dynamic chilled mini-bar movably installed on integratedentertainment equipment in a super first class passenger suite, theseembodiments are exemplary only and are not to be considered limiting.The embodiments of the apparatus and configuration are not limited todynamic chilled mini-bars. For example, embodiments of the apparatus andconfiguration may be adapted for a refrigerator, freezer, and other foodstorage and cooking devices. As another example, embodiments of theapparatus and configuration may be adapted to fit within other sizes orareas in an aircraft or vehicle. Various embodiments may thus be used inany vehicle, including aircraft, spacecraft, ships, buses, trains,recreational vehicles, trucks, automobiles, and the like. Embodiments ofthe apparatus may also be used in homes, offices, hotels, factories,warehouses, garages, and other buildings where it may be desirable touse a dynamic chilled mini-bar.

All references, including publications, patent applications, andpatents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the sameextent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicatedto be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entiretyherein.

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of theinvention, reference has been made to the embodiments illustrated in thedrawings, and specific language has been used to describe theseembodiments. However, no limitation of the scope of the invention isintended by this specific language, and the invention should beconstrued to encompass all embodiments that would normally occur to oneof ordinary skill in the art. The terminology used herein is for thepurpose of describing the particular embodiments and is not intended tobe limiting of exemplary embodiments of the invention. In thedescription of the embodiments, certain detailed explanations of relatedart are omitted when it is deemed that they may unnecessarily obscurethe essence of the invention.

The apparatus described herein may comprise a processor, a memory forstoring program data to be executed by the processor, a permanentstorage such as a disk drive, a communications port for handlingcommunications with external devices, and user interface devices,including a display, touch panel, keys, buttons, etc. When softwaremodules are involved, these software modules may be stored as programinstructions or computer readable code executable by the processor on anon-transitory computer-readable media such as magnetic storage media(e.g., magnetic tapes, hard disks, floppy disks), optical recordingmedia (e.g., CD-ROMs, Digital Versatile Discs (DVDs), etc.), and solidstate memory (e.g., random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM),static random-access memory (SRAM), electrically erasable programmableread-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, thumb drives, etc.). Thecomputer readable recording media may also be distributed over networkcoupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is storedand executed in a distributed fashion. This computer readable recordingmedia may be read by the computer, stored in the memory, and executed bythe processor.

Also, using the disclosure herein, programmers of ordinary skill in theart to which the invention pertains may easily implement functionalprograms, codes, and code segments for making and using the invention.

The invention may be described in terms of functional block componentsand various processing steps. Such functional blocks may be realized byany number of hardware and/or software components configured to performthe specified functions. For example, the invention may employ variousintegrated circuit components, e.g., memory elements, processingelements, logic elements, look-up tables, and the like, which may carryout a variety of functions under the control of one or moremicroprocessors or other control devices. Similarly, where the elementsof the invention are implemented using software programming or softwareelements, the invention may be implemented with any programming orscripting language such as C, C++, JAVA®, assembler, or the like, withthe various algorithms being implemented with any combination of datastructures, objects, processes, routines or other programming elements.Functional aspects may be implemented in algorithms that execute on oneor more processors. Furthermore, the invention may employ any number ofconventional techniques for electronics configuration, signal processingand/or control, data processing and the like. Finally, the steps of allmethods described herein may be performed in any suitable order unlessotherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

For the sake of brevity, conventional electronics, control systems,software development and other functional aspects of the systems (andcomponents of the individual operating components of the systems) maynot be described in detail. Furthermore, the connecting lines, orconnectors shown in the various figures presented are intended torepresent exemplary functional relationships and/or physical or logicalcouplings between the various elements. It should be noted that manyalternative or additional functional relationships, physical connectionsor logical connections may be present in a practical device. The words“mechanism”, “element”, “unit”, “structure”, “means”, and “construction”are used broadly and are not limited to mechanical or physicalembodiments, but may include software routines in conjunction withprocessors, etc.

The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”)provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the inventionand does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unlessotherwise claimed. Numerous modifications and adaptations will bereadily apparent to those of ordinary skill in this art withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by thefollowing claims. Therefore, the scope of the invention is defined notby the detailed description of the invention but by the followingclaims, and all differences within the scope will be construed as beingincluded in the invention.

No item or component is essential to the practice of the inventionunless the element is specifically described as “essential” or“critical”. It will also be recognized that the terms “comprises,”“comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” and “having,” as usedherein, are specifically intended to be read as open-ended terms of art.The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in thecontext of describing the invention (especially in the context of thefollowing claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and theplural, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In addition, itshould be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” etc. maybe used herein to describe various elements, these elements should notbe limited by these terms, which are only used to distinguish oneelement from another. Furthermore, recitation of ranges of values hereinare merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referringindividually to each separate value falling within the range, unlessotherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated intothe specification as if it were individually recited herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A dynamic chilled mini-bar comprising: a cover; amovable compartment translatable to expose an interior thereof frombehind the cover; and a cooling device operable to cool the interior ofthe movable compartment.
 2. The dynamic chilled mini-bar of claim 1,further comprising: a beverage tray disposed within the movablecompartment, wherein the cooling device is thermally coupled with thebeverage tray through an opening at a bottom of the movable compartment.3. The dynamic chilled mini-bar of claim 2, wherein the cooling devicecools a surface of the beverage tray to cool the interior of the movablecompartment.
 4. The dynamic chilled mini-bar of claim 2, wherein thebeverage tray is constructed of a thermally conductive material.
 5. Thedynamic chilled mini-bar of claim 1, further comprising: a controlleroperable to control the cooling device to maintain about a presettemperature in the interior of the movable compartment.
 6. The dynamicchilled mini-bar of claim 1, wherein the cooling device comprises athermoelectric cooling module comprising: at least one thermoelectriccooling device operable to cool the interior of the movable compartment;a fan operable to circulate air from outside the at thermoelectriccooling module to the at least one thermoelectric cooling device toreject heat from the thermoelectric cooling module to the outside; and atemperature controller operable to control an amount of power deliveredto the at least one thermoelectric cooling device.
 7. The dynamicchilled mini-bar of claim 1, further comprising: an actuator operable totranslate the movable compartment.
 8. The dynamic chilled mini-bar ofclaim 7, further comprising: a controller that controls the actuator tolinearly translate the movable compartment from a first position to asecond position, wherein the second position is selected from the groupconsisting of completely stowed position, completely opened position,and partially opened position.
 9. The dynamic chilled mini-bar of claim8, wherein when the movable compartment is in the completely stowedposition, the interior of the movable compartment is completely behindthe cover.
 10. The dynamic chilled mini-bar of claim 8, wherein when themovable compartment is in the completely opened position, a majority ofthe interior of the movable compartment is exposed from behind thecover.
 11. The dynamic chilled mini-bar of claim 10, wherein when themovable compartment is in the partially opened position, less of theinterior of the movable compartment is exposed from behind the coverthan when the movable compartment is in the completely opened position.12. A piece of integrated entertainment equipment in a vehicle, thepiece of integrated entertainment equipment comprising: a dynamicchilled mini-bar movably installed on the integrated entertainmentequipment, the dynamic chilled mini-bar comprising: a cover; a movablecompartment translatable to expose an interior thereof from behind thecover; and a cooling device operable to cool the interior of the movablecompartment; and an actuator coupled with at least one of a side of theintegrated entertainment equipment and the movable compartment, theactuator being operable to translate the movable compartment.
 13. Thepiece of integrated entertainment equipment of claim 12, the dynamicchilled mini-bar further comprising: a controller operable to controlthe cooling device to maintain about a preset temperature in theinterior of the movable compartment.
 14. The piece of integratedentertainment equipment of claim 12, the actuator comprising: arotatable screw; and a bracket coupled with the movable compartment, afirst end of the bracket being coupled with the screw, wherein when thescrew rotates, the movable compartment is translated linearly.
 15. Thepiece of integrated entertainment equipment of claim 14, wherein whenthe screw rotates, the movable compartment is translated linearly inparallel with a length-wise direction of the screw.
 16. The piece ofintegrated entertainment equipment of claim 12, the actuator comprising:a screw; a motor operable to rotate the screw; and a bracket coupledwith the movable compartment, a first end of the bracket being coupledwith the screw, wherein when the motor rotates the screw, the movablecompartment is translated linearly.
 17. The piece of integratedentertainment equipment of claim 16, wherein when the motor rotates thescrew, the movable compartment is translated linearly in parallel with alength-wise direction of the screw.
 18. The piece of integratedentertainment equipment of claim 12, the actuator comprising: a screwthat is stationary; a nut that is rotatable around the screw; and abracket coupled with the movable compartment, a first end of the bracketbeing coupled with the nut, wherein when the nut rotates around thescrew, the movable compartment is translated linearly.
 19. The piece ofintegrated entertainment equipment of claim 18, wherein when the nutrotates around the screw, the movable compartment is translated linearlyin parallel with a length-wise direction of the screw.
 20. The piece ofintegrated entertainment equipment of claim 12, the actuator comprising:a screw that is stationary; a motor operable to rotate a nut around thescrew; and a bracket coupled with the movable compartment, a first endof the bracket being coupled with the nut, wherein when the motorrotates the nut around the screw, the movable compartment is translatedlinearly with the screw.
 21. The piece of integrated entertainmentequipment of claim 20, wherein when the motor rotates the nut around thescrew, the movable compartment is translated linearly in parallel with alength-wise direction of the screw.
 22. A method of operating a dynamicchilled mini-bar, the method comprising: receiving an input signal totranslate a movable compartment of the dynamic chilled mini-bar from afirst position to a second position with respect to a cover of thedynamic chilled mini-bar; and linearly translating the movablecompartment to the second position according to the input signal. 23.The method of operating the dynamic chilled mini-bar according to claim22, wherein the second position is selected from the group consisting ofcompletely stowed position, completely opened position, and partiallyopened position.
 24. The method of operating the dynamic chilledmini-bar according to claim 23, wherein when the movable compartment isin the completely stowed position, an interior of the movablecompartment is completely behind the cover.
 25. The method of operatingthe dynamic chilled mini-bar according to claim 23, wherein when themovable compartment is in the completely opened position, a majority ofan interior of the movable compartment is exposed from behind the cover.26. The method of operating the dynamic chilled mini-bar according toclaim 25, wherein when the movable compartment is in the partiallyopened position, less of the interior of the movable compartment isexposed from behind the cover than when the movable compartment is inthe completely opened position.